Irish Cream Cupcakes
Here’s a delicious recipe for Irish Cream Cupcakes, which combine the rich flavors of chocolate and Irish cream for a delightful dessert.
### Irish Cream Cupcakes Recipe
#### Ingredients
**For the Cupcakes:**
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys)
**For the Irish Cream Frosting:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– ¼ cup Irish cream liqueur (adjust to taste)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
#### Instructions
**1. Prepare the Oven and Cupcake Pan:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.
**2. Make the Cupcake Batter:**
– In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and Irish cream liqueur until well combined.
– Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
**3. Bake the Cupcakes:**
– Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**4. Make the Frosting:**
– In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well until combined.
– Add the Irish cream liqueur, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with extra powdered sugar or Irish cream, if necessary.
**5. Frost the Cupcakes:**
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them with the Irish cream frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.
– If desired, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for decoration.
**6. Enjoy!**
– Serve the cupcakes and enjoy the rich flavors of Irish cream!
### Tips:
– For an extra treat, add chocolate chips to the cupcake batter or drizzle some melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes.
– Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Enjoy making and indulging in these delicious Irish Cream Cupcakes!